Cal Hanks and Juwan Major both scored 13, and Casey Oliverson added 11 for Southern Utah (2-26, 1-18 Big Sky). It was the first Division I win of the season for the Thunderbirds, and first victory since topping Arizona Christian on Nov 8.

Southern Utah led 32-28 at half and stretched the advantage to 61-45 with 6:17 left before a North Dakota rally.

North Dakota used a 26-12 run to cut the lead to 73-71 after Jamal Webb's basket with less than 30 seconds to go. But Race Parsons responded with a layup and added two late free throws as the Thunderbirds prevailed.

Webb led North Dakota (15-15, 12-8) with 18 points while Aaron Anderson had 14 and Jaron Nash 12.